Sun visors may seem like a small thing, but they perform a big job in the vehicle by keeping the sun out of your eyes so you can see the road. To make sure you're getting maximum protection, here are a few tips for choosing the right visor for your needs.

Go for Extended Coverage

Standard sun visors can be manipulated in a variety of ways to block the sun. Unfortunately, most of them only cover a small portion of the windshield, which can cause visibility issues if the sun dips below the bottom edge of the visor.

Therefore, when shopping for a new visor, look for one that can be extended to provide more coverage. Typically, the visor will have a panel that can be slid or flipped down to block more light and pushed back up when the extra protection is no longer needed. However, don't worry too much if you can't find one that has a built-in extension. You can also purchase clip-on visors that accomplish the same thing.

Alternatively, if you have some extra money, consider investing in an automatic sun visor. These modern visors are made using a see-through material tinted to block sunlight but still maintain visibility. They have built-in motors that automatically adjust the visor's position based on the location of the sun, so you don't have to fiddle with it yourself.

Choose a Reflective Design

It's understandable if you want to choose a sun visor that matches the color of your vehicle's interior, especially if you plan on selling it at a later date. If you're not particularly bothered by mismatched visors or don't really care about the color, look for one that's made from reflective or shiny material.

The material will reflect the sun's rays outward, which can help reduce heat gain in the vehicle. This essentially means it won't get as hot in your vehicle, and you'll save gas because your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to keep the interior cool.

Consider Built-In Clips

The last thing to look for in a sun visor is built-in clips. It may seem like a minor thing, but these clips can keep important information (e.g. insurance card, registration) nearby in case you need to access them real fast. Some visors even have loops for pens, so you don't have to go searching in the glove compartment or your bag for one.

For more help choosing the best sun visor for you, contact an auto parts store-- or look for an auto sun visor for sale online.